Posted!

Join the Conversation

Comments

Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only.
This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.
You do not need a Facebook profile to participate.

You will need to register before adding a comment.
Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in.

Please be polite.
It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban.
If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them.

Alabama A&M coach James Spady admitted he doesn’t know what to expect from Jackson State, now under the leadership of interim coach Derrick McCall, when the two teams meet this Saturday.

“You have to prepare for it like it’s a first-game (of the season) scenario and that leaves you uncomfortable a bit,” Spady said.

“I don’t know what their (the Tigers’) focus will be.”

At his first news conference in front of the local media Monday, McCall spoke on what his focus is: addressing the concerns that have led JSU to a 1-4 start.

McCall is inheriting a team has been outscored by 22.6 points per game. The offense has been inconsistent at times, but the main issue is a defense that has allowed 48.8 points per game, which is the third highest total in FCS, and has given up 50 points or more three times this season.

As a unit, the defense ranks ninth in the SWAC in total defense, seventh in rushing defense, ninth in pass defense and ninth in opponent third-down conversions.

Those are just some of the problems McCall said he discussed with the defensive staff.

“We don’t want to give up the big play. That’s the biggest thing that’s been hurting us,” McCall said. “Third-down situations, getting off the field on third downs and not giving up the big play. So those are some of the issues that have been addressed.

“Being able to make adjustments right away, not waiting until halftime to make those adjustments ... We’re going to do some changing around in the press box and on the field to get some eyes in certain places where we need those eyes and see those adjustments and make them right there on the spot.”

McCall was JSU’s receivers coach before taking over as interim coach, but in 2012 and 2013 he served as offensive coordinator under then-coach Rick Comegy.

Like Harold Jackson before him, McCall stressed the importance of balance and getting the run game going, which the Tigers haven’t been able to do much of this season.

He also said that offensive coordinator Timmy Chang will still be in charge of calling plays.

“As of now, Coach Chang will be assuming the same responsibilities,” McCall said. “My goal is if it’s not broke, don’t try to fix it. He and I have sat down and talked about areas of concern with the offense. We’re going to address those issues and address those concerns and they will be fixed coming into this weekend.”

Quick hits

All of JSU’s practices will be closed to the media and public this week. Assistant coaches will not be available to speak to the media, neither will players. … McCall said offensive lineman Frank Carter should be ready to go for this week’s game.